It is all but official that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will make Kyle Walters their permanent general manager, and it will likely happen early next week.

According to a CFL source, Walters has told at least one potential head coaching candidate that he will have the interim tag removed from his title. Walters, who became Winnipeg’s assistant general manager last December, has been the team’s interim GM since four days after Joe Mack was fired in mid-August.

There has been speculation the Bombers might ask around the league and interview other GM candidates, but that does not appear to be the case. It has been expected for some time that Walters was going to get the job full-time, even though there are more qualified and experienced candidates out there.

After Walters is officially installed as the GM, the next task for the rebuilding Bombers will be to name a head coach and then have him construct a coaching staff.

According to the source, the Bombers have asked for permission to speak to Toronto Argonauts defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones and Calgary Stampeders defensive co-ordinator Rick Campbell.

Winnipeg is also expected to ask for permission to speak to Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterbacks coach Khari Jones, who appears to be the leading candidate to get the gig in Winnipeg thanks in large part to his relationship with Miller. The Bombers have to wait until after the Grey Cup if they want to speak with Jones.

There are reports the Bombers have also asked for permission to speak to Argos special teams co-ordinator Mike O’Shea, who has connections to Walters, about the head coaching gig.

In addition, the Sun reported earlier this week there are rumblings that Canadian Football Hall of Fame quarterback Danny McManus, currently the head U.S. scout for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is being eyed by the Bombers, likely for the assistant general manager position.

Kyle Walters all but official as Winnipeg Blue Bombers GM

It is all but official that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will make Kyle Walters their permanent general manager, and it will likely happen early next week.

According to a CFL source, Walters has told at least one potential head coaching candidate that he will have the interim tag removed from his title. Walters, who became Winnipeg’s assistant general manager last December, has been the team’s interim GM since four days after Joe Mack was fired in mid-August.

There has been speculation the Bombers might ask around the league and interview other GM candidates, but that does not appear to be the case. It has been expected for some time that Walters was going to get the job full-time, even though there are more qualified and experienced candidates out there.

After Walters is officially installed as the GM, the next task for the rebuilding Bombers will be to name a head coach and then have him construct a coaching staff.